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Author
Topic: A positive side to lipodystrophy! (Read 5970 times)

Yep, I finally found a positive side to having lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy.

I recently tested someone who, shall we say, is pretty sexually active. Well, at least more than I am.

Anyway, he came in for the results today, gratefully still virus free. While we were talking about safer sex, condom use, oral vs. anal sex, etc., I turned to pick up some paperwork for him and he noticed the lumps on the back of my head.

Actually, they are at the base of the skull on either side behind the ear. This young man asked about my lumps. He expressed concern something was wrong. He seemed fearful I had cancer or some such.

Nice fellow, at least he didn't immediately start poking at the lumps as others have.

I calmly showed him the lumps, then the hump at the top of my spine, then the gut, which he thought was from beer until I enlightened him, then the horsecollar neck and chipmunk cheeks.

I took the opportunity to educate the youngun regarding HIV, HIV meds and possible side effects.

When I told him the lumps, bumps, humps, etc., were a side effect of more than a decade of taking HIV meds, he turned pale and gave me the tired line, "But I thought it was easy to treat HIV today?"

It is, said I. But that doesn't mean its always easy to live with the treatment.

I asked him why he thought I was always bugging him about using condoms and taking care of himself.

I think I got the point across this time. He filled up on condoms and lube before leaving and asked me how to use dental dams for rimming.

Mark... Good for you! This is absolutely the best way, however involved, to wake younger people up to problems that they face if infected. Beats the heck out of billboards and posters and all the rest. Bravo! john

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Mark,I was just thinking how pissed off I am about my gut. I try to work out a few days a a week for cardio mostly. My blood pressure is up there so that's the main reason. I thought It would help me lose weight and my guy....no such luck. I really discouraged.

Mark have you heard of any success stories in getting rid of the gut, or at least part of it?

It is, said I. But that doesn't mean its always easy to live with the treatment.

Hah, 'easy to treat'. Even aside from the many visible side effects (which I suspect bother us elderly types less than vain youth), the real issue about difficulty of treatment seems to me to be access to treatment. I can't imagine being as blase as your young man apparently is about being able to have access to health care - it is inherently precarious in the US.

I can't imagine being as blase as your young man apparently is about being able to have access to health care - it is inherently precarious in the US.

Yes, I know. I see that a lot. Younger people are usually very healthy and don't usually require many doctor visits. As a result, they have many misconceptions about what the realities of proper care for we Hifivers should be.

As for healthcare in the U.S., it is a sore point with many of us. Some are struggling with Medicare Part D, others with Medicaid limitations and restrictions.

I have high hopes that President Obama will be able to at least start to change some of this. I don't expect miracles or change overnight, but I hope we can at least embark on some improvements.

I have high hopes that President Obama will be able to at least start to change some of this. I don't expect miracles or change overnight, but I hope we can at least embark on some improvements.

I'd like to share your hopes, aztecan, but I don't. Such a move would be not only humane but very good depression-fighting economics. Alas I doubt that the powers behind the throne will allow it - look at how they wittled down the harmless and already inadequately small 'stimulus package'!